Anna begins 'Jantantra Yatra' from Amritsar

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare embarked on his 'Jantantra Yatra' (walk for democracy) in Amritsar on Sunday to rally support against the Congress-led UPA Government in the run up to the next general elections.

Accompanied by a small group of supporters, the 75-year-old activist paid obeisance at Durgiana Mandir and Golden Temple besides paying tribute to the martyrs at Jallianwala Bagh. Being a Sunday, the Golden Temple complex was teeming with visitors.

Addressing a group of people outside the Jallianwala Bagh, Hazare, who was flanked by former army chief VK Singh, said only a mass movement will bring change in the country.

Hazare said after five months a big Jan-Sansad (public rally) will be organised at Ramlila Ground in the national capital "which will seal the fate of this corrupt government".

The public rallies are being held to press 25-point agenda under the banner of 'Janatantra Yatra' to garner people's support against the Congress-led UPA government ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls and make people aware of its efforts to ditch the Jan Lokpal bill, he said.

Hazare had floated 'Janatantra Morcha' after the protests on Lokpal Bill fizzled out and Team Anna split, with a faction led by Arvind Kejriwal forming a political party.

Hazare later left in a six-vehicle cavalcade and would pass through Rayya and Beas towns before leaving the city to reach Kapurthala and Jalandhar.

He will address eight public rallies in Punjab during the first phase of 'Janatantra Yatra'.